By: Rob Otto

The New York Post reported a massive public waterfront park — roughly the size of Bryant Park — may soon rise in Midtown East, provided a developer’s Mohegan-backed casino plan is approved by the state later this year.

According to The NY Post, this large-scale public green space would be built as part of the Freedom Plaza project, a sprawling 6.3-acre development along the East River. The Post reported the plan includes a waterfront park about the size of Bryant Park, featuring an outdoor amphitheater, scenic promenades, gardens, and a museum dedicated to freedom and democracy.

New renderings shared with The NY Post on Thursday reveal what this transformation could look like. The Post reported that the design — crafted by OJB Landscape Architecture — features a central 18,000-square-foot lawn, 1.2 miles of winding pathways, and lush “garden room” overlooks. The Post noted the site, located east of First Avenue between 38th and 41st streets, would also offer a 700-foot-long East River Promenade.

The New York Post reported that a 7,000-square-foot children’s playground, a 6,000-square-foot cascading water garden called the “serene retreat,” and six food kiosks are also part of the ambitious design. A new community center and an outdoor amphitheater would serve as cultural and recreational hubs, the Post noted.

The NY Post reported that Soloviev Group, the developer behind the proposal, has pledged to fund the park’s long-term maintenance, security, and programming. “As fourth-generation residents and neighbors of this community, Soloviev understands the immense value that green spaces bring to urban life,” said Michael Hershman, CEO of the Soloviev Group, according to The Post.

The Post also noted that the First Avenue entrance to the park would feature 350 trees from eight different species, planted with the dual goals of preventing flooding and boosting biodiversity.

The New York Post reported that local civic groups have voiced strong support for the project. Kevin O’Keefe, president of the Manhattan East Community Association, described the proposal as a “forward-thinking approach” that fosters family-friendly recreation and community connection. Sherrill Kazan, president of the World Council of Peoples for the United Nations, echoed this enthusiasm in a statement quoted by The Post, calling the open space “essential” for quality of life and cultural unity.

As The NY Post reported, the park is just one part of the broader Freedom Plaza proposal, which includes dual residential towers with over 1,300 units (including 500 affordable), two hotel towers from Mohegan and Banyan Tree, retail and dining options, a daycare center, and a Mohegan-operated casino featuring modern gaming.

The Post reported that the Museum of Freedom and Democracy would also be included, located near the United Nations headquarters and showcasing international artists, along with permanent slabs of the Berlin Wall.

A steering committee would be formed to help bring in local community groups to activate the park, the Post noted.

The New York Post reported that the proposal is one of many competing for three downstate casino licenses — going up against projects ranging from a Coney Island casino to Caesars in Times Square. The Post reported that revenue from these licenses would fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Finally, The NY Post reported that the two racetrack casinos — Resorts World NYC and Empire City in Yonkers — are seen as favorites for two of the three licenses, leaving just one up for grabs.